After you boot the Gentoo Linux Installer LiveCD, it will attempt to load a
graphical desktop. If it is unable to do so, it will instead display a command
line prompt. To launch the installer, simply type:

# installer-dialog

The Gentoo Linux Installer (GLI) provides a friendly introduction to the process
of installing Gentoo on your computer. Remember to read each option carefully.
There is detailed help available for each step of installation at the top of the
screen. We recommend that you always read the help provided before making your
choices. Note that at any time during the installation process, you can save
your configuration progress in case you need to resume your installation at a
later time. Use the Tab key (on your keyboard) to move around the menus
within a screen and the Enter key to confirm an action.

PartitioningPreparing the disks

In order to install Gentoo on your machine, you will need to prepare your
disks. The Partitioning screen will show you a list of detected disks and
allow you to specify the filesystems you would like to have on your
partitions. Selecting Clear partitions will erase all previous partitions on
your disk, so be careful with this option!

If you choose to go with the Recommended layout, the installer will
create three partitions: 100MB for /boot, a /swap
partition up to 512MB in size, and the rest of the available space on the disk
is used for /, the root partition.

As with any partitioning application, you should backup your system before
making changes to your partition table, as any possible bugs could cause data
loss.
System ConfigurationTimezone

Study the list and select the region closest to your actual location.

Networking

On this screen, you will be able to configure the various network interface
devices detected on your computer. Read the available options carefully.

The next screen gives you a choice between DHCP and manual IP address
configuration. Once your network interface is properly configured, you will
need to create a hostname for your system. Optionally, you may specify a
domainname and any DNS server information needed.

Users and groups

First set the root password for the system administrator (the root
user).

We strongly recommend that you create a regular user for daily work.
Working as root all the time is dangerous and should be avoided! Create
your users, set their passwords, and add them to the appropriate groups. You can
optionally change their home directories and select their login shell.

Extra Packages

The LiveCD contains a number of available pre-built packages. If you wish to
install any of them, check the appropriate box.

Startup Services

This screen allows you to choose various services to load at system boot. Study
the available options and their descriptions carefully, and then select your
desired services. For example, if you have chosen to install xorg-x11
and want to boot straight into a graphical desktop, then you would select
"xdm" from the list.

Other Settings

You now will be able to change various settings, including keyboard layout,
graphical display manager, the default editor, and whether to set your hardware
clock to UTC or local time.

Finishing Up

The installer will ask if you want to save your installation profile for
later use. The installer will alert you when it has finished. It will then
return you to the command prompt. All you need to do to reboot is type:

# shutdown -r now

Congratulations, your system is now fully equipped! Continue with Where to go from here? to learn more about
Gentoo.